An Invitation to the Writer in You

Writing is therapeutic, creative, and fulfilling in unexpected ways. Whether you’re a banker, a waitress, or a retired firefighter there just might be a writer inside of you simply waiting to be invited out. So take this as your invitation! The door is open. Come on in!

And read on for a little inspiration to help your fingers find there way to the keyboard (or your pen to some paper).

Are you drawn to the idea of creating something fictional or non-fictional? If you take the fictional path, your possibilities are endless. If you choose to write about your own experiences, it’s an opportunity to breathe new life into old memories or to find humour and storylines in everyday situations. Perhaps you’ll end up combining the two, a bit of reality with some elements of fantasy. Who knows where the pen will lead you. This surprise factor, is one reason why writing is so interesting.

Here are 10 ideas to get your creativity flowing:

Think back to a time when you fell in love. Now imagine that you’re the other person. Write a journal-like story or a letter describing how you met and what your impressions were, using his/her voice.

Think of a big decision that you have made in your life. How would things be altered if you had made a different choice? What would your life be like? What would the pros and cons be? Write a story- a glimpse into your life as it would be if you’d made that decision differently.

Who makes you laugh the most in your life? Now think of a funny situation involving this person and write it as a story, using the past tense, with a clear beginning, middle and ending.

What thoughts or ideas or people occupy your mind most often? Why? Are they positive or negative? How does your focus on these thoughts/ideas/people affect your life and the life of those around you?

Do you have a finest moment? Tell it, as a story, using the present tense. Use your own or somebody else’s point of view, like your spouse, your mother, or your child.

What really angers you? Why? When does it happen? What does this suggest about you? Do you brew quietly? If so, what would you like to do or say? Do you let people know how you feel? Has this ever created a conflict or a laugh-worthy situation? Write it as a true story, (like it really happened, even if it didn’t).

Who are the main characters in your life? Pick one and write a biographical description of him/her. Then, write a story featuring this person as the protagonist.

What superpower would you give yourself? Why? How would you use it in your everyday life? Write the story about how you discovered that you had this superpower.

Do you know any babies? Put yourself in their booties and describe an experience as seen from their tiny baby perspective. What is the first thing you think about when you wake up? Describe your surroundings/family members. Do you have any pets? How do you feel about them? Why? Who do you think about most? What’s your favourite thing about her/him? Are you scared or excited by certain things? What makes you laugh?

You’re sitting on a bench, waiting for the bus. A person sits down next to you. You look up and recognize them. Now you decide who it is and what you say and do next.

I hope that you’ve found some inspiration to sit down and write and if you do end up writing something based on these prompts, I would love to hear about it. Feel free to link it into the comments below.